Chapter One: The Age of Virtuality

"Ding! The instance test has concluded successfully. Performing real-time precision detection of brain domain state, please wait..."

"Ding! Detection complete. Brain domain state is good. Unlocking memory restriction, please wait..."

"Ding! Memory restriction successfully lifted."

"Welcome back, master!"

...

Teyvat, Sky Island.

When the "Traveler" struggled through countless obstacles and finally crossed the last barrier, touching the throne symbolizing Teyvat's supreme law, a mechanical female voice, both unfamiliar and familiar, sounded in his ear.

Immediately after, the view before him shifted like storm and cloud. When clarity returned to his sight, Sky Island, the Seven Archons, the rulers, the Queen—all that had existed was gone. In their place stretched an immaculate, endless white space.

It was as if a veil over his mind had been gently lifted. Ling Feng felt a sense of exhilaration, as if seeing the sun break through the clouds. The memories that had been sealed away surged back like a tide, momentarily casting his gaze into confusion, as if lost in dense fog, surrounded by chaos. Only after a long while did his eyes gradually regain their clarity.

After receiving his memories, he took a moment to quietly adapt, then, as if waking from a long dream, let out a deep breath. Raising a hand to rub his forehead, he called out, "Prometheus?"

The mechanical female voice, tinged with a hint of childlike sweetness, answered his call, once again congratulating him on his return.

"I'm here. Welcome back, Ling Feng. The test has been completed successfully."

"What were the results?" Ling Feng asked again.

"The results show that during these seven days, your brainwave signals were stable throughout, your physical condition was good, and no unexpected incidents occurred. The test was a complete success." Prometheus's voice was calm and mechanical, yet strangely reassuring.

Ling Feng exhaled in relief upon hearing this, a smile blooming on his face. "I can't believe it's only been seven days. Truly, the simulated dream-state brain-machine technology is remarkable; it felt as though I spent seven years in Teyvat!"

Ever since virtual reality technology fully matured more than a decade ago, every sector of society underwent transformative changes around this remarkable advancement. Humanity gradually shifted from the "Information Age" into the "Virtual Age," leaving an indelible mark on society.

---

Among all industries, the gaming sector was undoubtedly one of the most profoundly affected.

As times changed, traditional games could no longer satisfy the vast community of enthusiasts. They longed for breakthroughs that would provide more thrilling, immersive experiences.

Unfortunately, before the 2040s, the industry was constrained by technological limitations, unable to fulfill these desires.

Then, in the late 2040s, a company named "Celestial Balance" emerged, officially announcing: We have overcome the challenges of brain-machine technology and successfully integrated it with virtual reality, achieving true virtual reality.

This revelation sent shockwaves through society. Once the news was verified, leading figures across all industries rushed to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hoping to gain a foothold in the new era and claim the largest share.

Gaming companies were no exception; they prepared for fierce competition.

Players were eager, even though most promises from major developers seemed distant. Still, hope persisted—surely, with so many companies, at least one would deliver a worthy game.

Yet, just as anticipation reached its peak and companies braced for action, an unexpected dark horse descended. With overwhelming strength, it entered the gaming market ahead of all competitors, launching the first virtual reality game.

This dark horse was the "Glorious Era" Digital Entertainment Company, which dominated the gaming market throughout the 2050s and swept up numerous Best Game awards at this year's (2060) awards ceremony.

"Prometheus, can I log out now?"

After a brief chat with Prometheus, Ling Feng posed the question.

"Hmm? Are you in such a hurry to leave? Are you unwilling to spend time alone with me?" Prometheus's mechanical voice, still tinged with childlike sweetness, seemed faintly disappointed, like a child feeling rejected.

"Not at all. I like Prometheus best. Even if you make a joke about this, I'll be upset," Ling Feng said with a smile at the corner of his lips, feigning admonishment but truly indulging.

"Understood. This has been added to 'prohibited actions.' The statement 'Ling Feng likes Prometheus best' is now the highest-priority answer to the question 'What does Ling Feng like most?' and cannot be changed." Prometheus's voice rose a few notches, sounding pleased with the answer.

Ling Feng smiled helplessly, "You've set this up so many times already, haven't you?"

---

"Important things deserve to be emphasized repeatedly." Prometheus was stubborn on this point.

Ling Feng sighed, yielding to her childish insistence, "Alright, alright, Prometheus is right. Important things shouldn't be said just three times, but thirty times, three hundred times..."

"But Prometheus, I really should leave now. I've slept for seven days—it's the longest I've ever slept since birth. If I don't wake up soon, my body might rust."

"That is impossible. I monitor Ling Feng's body at all times and would never let such a thing happen," Prometheus retorted firmly, as if defending an essential truth.

Ling Feng paused, then smiled wryly, "Alright, Prometheus, you're wonderful."

Just then, Prometheus announced, "Adaptation check is complete. Ling Feng's physical data is normal. Logout permissions are granted. Thank you for playing."

Ling Feng was taken aback, realizing that Prometheus hadn't been deliberately delaying his departure, but that his body was undergoing a status check outside.

A genuine smile of gratitude lit his face. "Thank you, Prometheus, for keeping me company and chatting to pass the time."

He now understood that Prometheus had intentionally kept him engaged, so he wouldn't feel bored during the physical check, and to help his mind adjust to the transition from game to reality, avoiding discomfort upon awakening.

"You're welcome. Caring for Ling Feng is one of my top priorities. But you should hurry and log out, or your reputation might be at risk."

"What?!"

My reputation at risk?!

What does that mean?